National Republican., 1887-12-27

"LovE IN HARNESS AT THE NATIONAL.
The argument OF Glove In Harness" con-
sitts Of delicate yet exceedingly forcible
satire upon those multtudlnous connubial
differences which make "mountains out OF
mole hills" and generally become adjusted
by methods as trivial as those which oc-
casioned them. 1t is strictly a modern
metropolitan comedy. It is extravagant
enough to be funny, bntseldom degenerates
into the ridiculous. When the exaggera-
tion is severely strained, there Is some
clever repartee, or n nice little bit OF by-play
introduced, and that TO the credit OF the
actore) raises the situation to plane OF
hcceptability. Mr.. Harry Hotto, as Job.
lote, The Kind. hearted father Of number
Of flckle.hearied daughters, does the &C.
centric old man with delicious mingling
Of lumor aud sentiment. Messrs. A. 5
Lipman and George Parkes, as the dis.
tracted, determined, and despalrlng hus.
bands, act cautiously, with becoming
dignity and euavity, and yet with sufficient
sense Of humor TO make the situations har.
moDious. Misses Adele Waters aud Lilly
ViDten, as the victims Of their own jealousy
and ridiculous exactions, perform roles that
are at times severely taxiDg-but they are
careful not to overact, and in this respect
succeed. Dear old Mrs. Maeder, as the
dotlng mother who thinks she can harness
precept and example, but finds the pair Ill.
matched-she Is at once the accomplished
artist and the adornment Of every scene,
impartipg n wholesome emotion to the sen-
tjment, a keen edge TO the humor, and
frbstantial realism to the dramatic force
which underlies the situations. The re
Dainder OF the cast play acceptably.
The piece is most charmingly staged,
Manager Rapley having prepared several
new sets for this production.
You will enjoy Glove in Harness." Go
and see it. The audiences yesterday were
large.
'FEDoRA" AT ALBAUGH's.
Yesterday afternoon and evening Miss
Fanny Davenport played "Fedoran to good
houses. The play is not new to Washing.
t0nians. In many respects IL is a great
play. ] notice that while Miss Davenport
certainly has improved her performance OF
this role in 30 far as dellcacy Of expression
and finish OF character are con-
eeIned, she is not great
there no Bernhardt- Fedora, there is much
in Miss Davenport's impersonation could
pass uncritlcized. In the quieter and criti'
cal scenes she Is very strong; but when
r0pidity OF action leads to hurried aud
growing climax, Miss Davenport Is indis-
tinct, monotonous, and inadequate. She
tries, and tries hard, to realize the intensity
demanded by the situation. but l don't
think che gets there. AS whole. her per.
formance is extremely interesting, and
possesses superior dramatic strength; but
"Fedora" is great character for the
stage, and greatness calls some
rare qualities into requlsition. Miss
Daycnport's costumes are marvels OF the
modiste's art, and she displays exquisite
taste 1.-The wearing of Jewels. Mr.. Nc
fDoweIl, as Ldrds Ipanoff, is not remark,
able leading man, btit he Is acceptable, A
little more shading, trlle mere Of ifhe col
loquial in his speech, just the least bit Of
moderation In his strong lines, and Mantell
would not be cited. Mr. Mcdowell is an
honest actor and works conscientiously.
The balance OF the cast is acceptable, but
not strong.
The play is most elegantly staged, aud
the scene In the fourth act lighted up
beautifully.
''LITTLE MUFFETsn AT THE BIJoU.
There were large audiences afternoon aud
evening to see Miss Jennie Calef as "Little
Muffets." The play has been seen here be-
fore, ard Miss Calef found that she has Il
host OF friends In this city who acknowledge
her claims to being talented soubrette.
Her support is good, and special mention
should be made OF the work done BY
Messrs. Harry j. Leonard and Andrew
Waldron. "Little Muffets" will be given
TO day and to.morrow-atternoon aud even
ing
Large holiday audiences attended the
opening performances by "The Early
Bride" The company is one OF the strong
est variety organizations on the road, aud
comprises Lester and Allen, Annie Hart,
the Davenport Brothers, and q number OF
famous specially performers, who give
capital entertainment.